Broccoli Chicken Bake (Printable Version)
Creamy pasta loaded with chicken, broccoli, and zesty cheddar-mushroom sauce. A tasty, lighter comfort dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta and Vegetables
01 -
1 big head broccoli, chopped into small pieces (about 1 lb)
02 -
8 oz dry whole-wheat rotini or whatever pasta you like
→ Sauce
03 -
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
04 -
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
05 -
1 cup chicken or veggie broth
06 -
4 cloves garlic, chopped up
07 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 -
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
09 -
8 oz baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced thin
10 -
1 small white onion, sliced up
11 -
3 tbsp normal all-purpose flour
12 -
1 1/2 cups milk
→ Cheese and Protein
13 -
2 cups of cooked chicken, diced or shredded
14 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, split up (makes 8 oz total)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Dish it up hot, and if you're feeling fancy, sprinkle a little fresh pepper or some fresh herbs on top.
02 -
Slide it into the oven for 15 minutes without a cover. Take it out, scatter the rest of the cheddar over everything, and bake for 10 more minutes till the cheese is all gooey and bubbling.
03 -
Dump the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and creamy mushroom sauce into your 9 x 13 dish. Stir it all together so it's evenly mixed.
04 -
Shake the flour over your veggies, stirring it in well, then cook for about a minute. Pour in your stock slowly, stirring till it's super smooth. Toss in the milk, Dijon, salt and pepper, then let it come to a low bubble. Kill the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar, letting it melt in completely. Taste and tweak the seasoning if you want.
05 -
Heat your large pan over medium-high, add your butter or oil, toss in the onions and cook about 3 minutes. Next, throw in the mushrooms and garlic, and sauté another 5 minutes till mushrooms are soft.
06 -
Fill a big pot with salt and water, bring it to a rolling boil. Cook pasta till just tender, add broccoli right at the end for the last minute, then drain it all well.
07 -
Crank your oven up to 400°F (204°C).
# Additional Notes:
01 -
You can swap in thawed frozen broccoli instead of fresh, or use gluten-free or another kind of pasta if you need to.